MARGAO
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phaldesai on Thursday said the department is exploring the possibility of running the ferry boats on solar energy.
He has also warned the employees of the River Navigation department that the government would crack down on employees remaining absent from duties sans sanctioned leave.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the two-day cultural event Procyon 2022 organised by the Don Bosco College of engineering at Fatorda, Phaldesai said he has put the department staff on the job to collect data on how to improve the functioning of the ferry service in the State.
“I have plans to run the ferry boats on solar energy, not just to reduce the cost, but also reduce pollution”, he said.
He added: “We have to go in for the new form of energy by replacing diesel and keep all pollution, including sound pollution at bay. We are in the process of collecting the data”.
Phaldesai pointed out that reviving the ferry service along certain routes will help to decongest roads in the state.
Asked to comment on the recent problem with the Divar ferry service, the Minister attributed the problem to the employees remaining absent.
“We have taken serious note of the absenteeism and will soon crack a whip against the erring employees. We will penalize the employees if they remain absent sans sanctioned leave”, he said, adding that he would enforce discipline amongst the employees.
